Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments from across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, peacekeeping and security operations, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its responses to both internal and external challenges across key sectors
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We begin today’s updates with a poignant scene from northern Kenya, where refugee children in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei camp are turning to traditional Acholi dance to cope with deepening hunger. With food rations slashed due to aid cuts, these young refugees—many fleeing conflict zones like South Sudan and Uganda are finding resilience in cultural expression. It’s a stark reminder of the human toll of global funding shortfalls:
Kakuma’s refugee children dance through hunger; key updates from across Africa
Africa News Live Updates: Welcome to our live blog tracking the latest developments from across the continent. Follow real-time updates on political transitions, peacekeeping and security operations, regional integration, economic innovation, climate impacts, migration trends and grassroots activism. Stay informed on Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and its responses to both internal and external challenges across key sectors
June 28, 2025, 05:45:17 (IST)
Dehorning rhinos reduces poaching deaths by 78 percent in South Africa
A conservation strategy of removing rhino horns has resulted in a 78 percent decrease in poaching-related deaths across South Africa, according to a report in The Washington Post. This measure, aimed at making the animals less valuable to poachers, is a direct response to the persistent illegal horn trade facilitated by organized crime syndicates. While the reduction in deaths is seen as a significant success, the practice has sparked debate over the ethics of the intervention, its potential impact on tourism, and whether it addresses the underlying socio-economic drivers of poaching. South Africa is home to approximately 80% of the world’s rhinos, making its conservation policies globally significant.
June 28, 2025, 05:45:17 (IST)
Presley Chweneyagae, acclaimed star of ‘Tsotsi’, dies at 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his starring role in the 2005 film “Tsotsi,” has died at 40, according to a report in The Washington Post. The film, a drama set in a Johannesburg slum, garnered significant critical acclaim and won South Africa’s first Academy Award for best foreign-language film, with Chweneyagae’s performance being a central element of its success.
June 28, 2025, 05:00:16 (IST)
Botswana trade unions criticize government over doctor allowance cuts
Public sector trade unions in Botswana, including the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), have strongly criticized the Ministry of Health’s recent decision to withdraw emergency call and commuted overtime allowances for doctors, the Botswana Gazette says in a report. The unions have warned that patients’ lives are at stake due to the potential impact on healthcare services. In response, the ministry has described the actions of the Botswana Doctors Union as being “inconsistent with the provisions governing essential services,” indicating a deepening labor dispute within the country’s public health sector.
June 28, 2025, 02:01:23 (IST)
Nigerian hurdler Tobi Amusan to compete at Diamond League event in Hayward Field
Nigerian sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan is set to compete in the 100m hurdles at the upcoming Diamond League meet at Hayward Field, according to a report in Premium Times. This marks her return to the track where she achieved a historic 12.12-second world record in 2022. The event is a key showdown on the international athletics calendar.
June 28, 2025, 02:00:18 (IST)
Four governors and Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila to attend President Federation Cup final in Nigeria
The final of Nigeria’s President Federation Cup is set to be attended by several high-profile figures, including four state governors and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, according to a report in Premium Times. The event will also be graced by entertainment icons, along with prominent members from the Lagos State cabinet, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Football Association.
June 28, 2025, 02:00:18 (IST)
Nigerian President Tinubu to attend BRICS summit in Brazil
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Brazil to take part in the 17th BRICS Summit being held in Rio de Janeiro, according to a report in Premium Times. This trip will occur after a visit to the island nation of Saint Lucia. President Tinubu’s attendance at the summit is significant given Nigeria’s previously expressed interest in joining the BRICS bloc of emerging economies.
June 28, 2025, 01:48:35 (IST)
Prof Bismark Tyobeka appointed chairperson of SA Bureau of Standards board
Professor Bismark Tyobeka has been appointed as the new chairperson of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) board, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The appointment, which is for a five-year term, became effective on June 18, 2025.
June 28, 2025, 01:48:35 (IST)
Financial ombud recovers R328 million for South African consumers
South Africa’s Financial Ombud, an independent dispute resolution body, has secured R328 million for consumers who had lodged complaints against financial service providers, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. The recovery highlights the role of the ombudsman in resolving disputes between individuals and institutions like banks and insurers without resorting to court proceedings. This significant sum represents a tangible return of funds to consumers found to have been treated unfairly by financial firms.
June 28, 2025, 01:47:30 (IST)
NWU medical school and North West Department of Health form partnership for student training
The North-West University’s (NWU) Desmond Tutu School of Medicine and South Africa’s North West Department of Health (NWDOH) have established a strategic partnership to grant medical students access to the province’s medical and infrastructural resources, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. Under the agreement, NWU students will gain essential practical training and clinical exposure in public hospitals and clinics managed by the NWDOH. The collaboration is designed to help serve the healthcare needs of the region and address challenges such as staff shortages by bolstering the training of future medical professionals.
June 28, 2025, 01:47:30 (IST)
Gulf states increase investment in Africa as China modifies its lending strategy
Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are significantly increasing their investments in Africa, emerging as major financial partners for the continent, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This development coincides with a strategic shift by China, which is moving away from its traditional model of large-scale, state-backed infrastructure loans. Beijing is now reportedly focusing on smaller, more sustainable, and commercially viable investments, partly in response to international criticism regarding debt sustainability and its own domestic economic pressures. This changing landscape provides African nations with opportunities to diversify their sources of funding and reduce reliance on any single external partner.
June 28, 2025, 01:46:24 (IST)
Africa is key to solving global crises, says B20 South Africa leader
A leader from B20 South Africa has asserted that the African continent is key to solving major global crises, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. This statement comes as Africa’s global standing is bolstered by recent developments, including the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 and the expansion of the BRICS group to include more African nations. The continent’s growing geopolitical importance is further highlighted by the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and increased engagement from global powers competing for strategic influence and resources.
June 28, 2025, 01:45:15 (IST)
Basketball Africa League commences its fifth season
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has launched its fifth season, continuing its mission to grow the sport professionally on the continent, as per a report in Mail & Guardian. A joint venture between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the league is the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. The BAL’s stated goals include developing Africa’s basketball ecosystem, providing a professional platform for African players, creating economic opportunities, and inspiring youth across the continent.
June 28, 2025, 01:32:29 (IST)
Sudan’s leader approves seven-day humanitarian ceasefire in El-Fasher
Sudan’s Sovereign Council President, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has approved a seven-day humanitarian ceasefire in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Africanews says in a report. The move comes amid intensifying clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the strategic city. El-Fasher is considered the last major SAF stronghold in the Darfur region and a critical hub for humanitarian aid. The ceasefire is intended to allow for the delivery of aid as the broader conflict, which began in April 2023, continues to cause a severe humanitarian crisis and widespread displacement.
June 28, 2025, 01:31:23 (IST)
Irish minister calls new visa requirement for South Africans harsh but necessary
Irish state minister Neale Richmond has characterized the newly imposed visa requirement for South African citizens as “harsh, but necessary,” Mail & Guardian says in a report. Richmond acknowledged that the Irish government is aware of the negative effects the policy has had on businesses and individuals traveling between the two countries. Despite these impacts, he defended the measure and stated that it is subject to constant review by the government.
June 28, 2025, 01:31:23 (IST)
Tests reveal unsafe drinking water in numerous school storage tanks
Of 53 schools that participated in a water sampling program by uploading valid data, 23 returned results showing their stored water was unsafe to drink, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. This finding, representing over 43% of the sampled educational institutions, highlights a significant health risk for students due to contaminated water in on-site storage tanks.
June 28, 2025, 01:30:18 (IST)
South Africa’s green hydrogen plan faces scrutiny from civil society
Despite praise from South Africa’s president for the country’s green hydrogen strategy, a civil society coalition has raised concerns, describing the vision as fragile and pointing to potential roadblocks, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The criticism comes as the government promotes green hydrogen as a key part of its economic and energy transition plans, especially in the context of the country’s persistent energy crisis and international climate finance commitments like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The coalition’s assessment questions the feasibility and implementation of the ambitious project.
June 28, 2025, 01:30:18 (IST)
South Africa’s old coal mines could host 300GW of solar power, researchers say
Researchers in South Africa have proposed that repurposing abandoned and closing coal mines in the Mpumalanga province could generate 300 gigawatts of solar energy, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The proposal suggests that using these specific sites, which are the heartland of the country’s coal industry, could provide a significant new power source to help address the nation’s ongoing energy crisis. The plan aligns with the country’s Just Energy Transition Partnership goals by offering a potential new use for land and infrastructure as South Africa moves away from coal dependency.
June 28, 2025, 00:31:25 (IST)
Umar Ganduje resigns as national chairman of Nigeria’s APC
Umar Ganduje has resigned from his position as the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to a report in Premium Times. The report notes that his tenure as chairman of the West African nation’s governing party has been marked by controversy and challenges.
June 28, 2025, 00:30:20 (IST)
Nigerian judicial council sanctions judge over improper appointment in Imo state
Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken disciplinary action against Judge Theophilus Nzeukwu and reaffirmed its strict stance on judicial appointment procedures, Premium Times says in a report. The decision follows the governor of Imo State’s selection of Nzeukwu, who is fourth in the state’s judicial hierarchy, for the position of acting chief judge. The NJC’s action underscores the violation of the established principle of seniority, as the appointment bypassed more senior judges for the top judicial post in the state.
June 28, 2025, 00:30:20 (IST)
Tinubu appoints former aide to Buhari as chair of palliative committee
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has appointed a former aide to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, to lead the Presidential Committee on National Palliative Intervention (PCNGi), Premium Times said in a report. The appointment places the former official in charge of a key component of the Tinubu administration’s palliative program. This initiative is designed to mitigate the economic hardship faced by citizens following recent government reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy.
June 28, 2025, 00:16:26 (IST)
Nigeria’s judicial council recommends 21 new judges for state courts
Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 21 individuals for various judicial positions across the country, including new chief judges for Ekiti and Yobe states, Premium Times said in a report. The recommendations, which also include appointments for Grand Kadis and Presidents of Customary Courts of Appeal in several states, were made to the respective state governors for formal appointment. According to the NJC, the candidates were selected after a rigorous screening process by an interview committee, which also took public complaints into consideration.
June 27, 2025, 23:30:28 (IST)
African Human Rights court to hear DRC case against Rwanda
The Tanzania-based African Court of Human Rights has declared it is competent to hear a case filed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) against Rwanda, Africanews says in a report. This ruling now permits a full hearing into the DRC’s allegations of human rights violations connected to the protracted conflict in eastern Congo.
June 27, 2025, 23:15:21 (IST)
Rwandan minister urges youth near DR Congo border to embrace patriotism
Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascène Bizimana, has called upon young peopl